Grey Reef Fishing Seasons

The Grey Reef section of the North Platte is a fabulous tailwater with some of the largest trout in the United States. Regardless of the season, consistent water temperatures and abundant bug life make it a truly year-around destination. You will find that the seasons of the North Platte will cater to both your skill level and preference of presentation.

Fall Fishing (Sept.-Nov.)

Single handedly the most underrated time of year and our guides’ favorite time to be on the water. Midges, scuds, leeches, psuedos and baetis tend to be favorites among the nymphing crowd. Streamers are the favorite for most but never rule out the potential for dries. Fall fishing seems to be the time of year, other than the summer, when the big boys and girls come out to play. The bulk of the large Brown trout inhabiting the river is caught during the months of September, October, and November. Cool, crisp, calm conditions and very little traffic make the late fall the perfect time of year to visit the North Platte River.

Winter Fishing (Dec.-Feb.)

Winter in Wyoming is historically known to bring both the wind and cold. While this remains true, intermittent periods of warmer, calmer weather patterns allow anglers the opportunity to witness some tremendous winter fishing, minus the spring-time crowds on the North Platte River. A majority of these trout’s winter-time diet consists of midges, scuds, and leeches, making nymphing the most productive style of fishing. But let it be known, DO NOT rule out the streamer fishing, just make sure you compensate for the colder water and SLOW your presentation down. Over the past few years, winter has become one of our favorite seasons for streamers. Throwing 6-8” of articulated feather and fur can produce a true monster! Grey Reef sees some impressive midge hatches during this time of year, yielding some spectacular dry fly fishing! For those anglers interested in waterfowling The Reef Fly Shop and North Platte Lodge can offer both great hunting and fishing packages this time of year.

Spring Fishing (March-May)

This is the most fabled time to be on the Grey Reef. Clear and low water conditions bring people from all around to witness some the most amazing trout fishing in the United States. Midges, scuds, leeches, egg patterns, and baetis make up the trout forage in the spring. Heavy river traffic dictates lighter tippets and a slightly more educated presentation during this time of the year. Typically our least favorite time for streamers, the spring offers some great dry fly potential during the large baetis hatches customary of this river.

Summer Fishing (June-August)

Water raises and clouds slightly, traffic dissipates, and fishing, in our opinion, gets more exciting. Scuds, leeches, PMD, yellow sallies, tricos, psuedos,crayfish and caddis make the summer the most insect-diverse time of year. Typically our guides find themselves traveling to all reaches of the North Platte to enjoy what summer has to offer.

Increased vegetation growth creates structure for the big boys so stripping streamers or nymphing along the weed beds produces huge results—as in huge trout! It is not uncommon during this time of year for the opportunity to catch fish on dries, nymphs, and streamers, all in the same day! Most people prefer pursuing the larger fish with streamers making for some the most exciting fishing of the year.